Container or package for eggs, etc.



Oct- 2, 1934 F. H SHERMAN CONTAINER on PACKAG FOR EGGS, ETCY Original Filed Oct.' 16, 1931 Patented Oct. 2, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Original application October 16, 1931, Serial No.- 569,177. Divided and this application April 7, 1933, Serial No. 664,916

7 Claims.

My present invention relates to packages or containers for fragile articles, especially eggs, and aims to provide a strong, inexpensive fibrous device of the class described, particularly adapted for the retail distribution of the articles in small lots, and by the relatively small retailer. This application is a division of my copending application Serial No. 569,177, filed October 16,

1931, which in turn is a continuation in part of my copending application Serial No. 403,770, filed October 31, 1929. The devices or holding means of this application, as well as those of said copending applications mentioned are in the nature of improvements upon packing or holders of the type illustrated and described in my Patents Nos. 1,815,683 and 1,906,639.

In the drawing illustrating by way of example certain embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 1 is an inside plan view of a package, container, carton or box embodying one form of the invention, the major portion of the upper half section being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a cross-section on a line corresponding to the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, the carton being closed;

Fig. 2a is a cross-section corresponding to Fig. 2 showing a modification;

Fig. 3 is a partial cross-section on the line 3-3 of Fi 1;

Fig. 4 is a view corresponding to a portion of Fig. 1, illustrating a further modification;

Figs. 5 and 6 are partial cross-sections on the lines 5-5 and 6-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is a small-scale perspective of the exterior of the package of Figs. 1 to 3, showing it in closed position; and

Fig. 8 illustrates a standard 3 x 4 honeycomb filler.

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 3, the container, package, carton or box as illustrated comprises lower and upper tray-like sections 40 and 41 respectively, desirably integrally hingedly connected as at 42.

While the container sections may be otherwise formed, they are preferably made by a pulp-sucking or fibre felting process, whereby they are fashioned directly and in final form from fibrous or cellulosic material such as wood pulp and the like suspended in solution, the fibres being deposited on molds or forms of the appropriate shape. The container sections may be thus formed individually, but preferably they are produced as a continuous web, from which pairs of the sections are cut, the two sections of each pair being left connected by the hinge formation as at 42 in Fig. 1. By reason of their formation direct from pulp material, the container walls are of a distinctly resilient, elastic nature, as contrasted with ordinary cardboard, for example, but are sufficiently rigid to be selfsupporting and of adequate strength.

The lower section or tray 40 has side walls 46 which are outwardly inclined, the side walls of the upper section 41 being similarly sloped. On both sections the side walls or one or more of them are set-over or flared at their edges to form the lower and upper flanges 40 and 41 respectively, providing a firm seat for the two package sections, one upon the other. This provision of a rim or flange, either continuously or at suitable spaced intervals, upon one or both of the container sections serves also to increase the rigidity of the latter and generally strengthen them, as well as affording a protective rib or lateral cushioning means for the container as a whole. By reason of the inclined side walls a number of the containers may readily be nested for packing, shipment or storage. In the case of hingedly connected upper and lower parts, as illustrated in the figures, these parts are stacked in pairs in their open position, or where the sections are formed separately they may be piled individually in nested relation.

The package or container as shown by way of example is designed for the reception of one dozen articles, particularly eggs, arranged 3 x 4, and in accordance with the invention individual cells or pockets are provided by separating walls or partitions of novel construction, each cell having an elevated cushioning formation at its bottom whereby the received article is held above the surface on which the container rests. The cell-partitioning walls in the present instance are integral with the container.

The cells as herein provided are of general rectangular shape, but with the corners filled in, rounded or carried across, whereby there are formed, between the cells, hollow members of roughly rectangular or diamond shape, in the nature of truncated four-sided pyramids,'the four main edges or corners of which are respectively directed toward the four side walls of the container. Each such full separator or pyramid includes a top 43 from which the four main sides 44 slope downwardly and outwardly to the base of an adjoining cell, four of which cells are grouped closely around each full separator 43, 44. Thus each full separator is common to four cells, each separator side face 44 providing one side portion of a different cell.

The separators, with their partitioning walls 44, as illustrated, are so disposed that the resulting cells in effect have their major diagonals perpendicular to the package sides, and have their side walls and side edges of their bases 45 at angles of approximately 45 to the package sides. Thus, while said cell bases or bottoms 45 are approximately rectangular or square, at least in the interior cells, their edges extend obliquely of the container as a whole, along lines at angles of approximately 45 inclination with respect to the top edges of the container side walls.

As the container or package of the exemplary form illustrated is primarily intended as a 3 x 4 one-dozen egg package, for retail egg packaging by storekeepers and relatively small retailers, there are six full or interior partitioning pyramids 4344, two rows of three each lengthwise of the container. These six pyramids provide between them the two full-sided or substantially completely rectangular interior or central cells through which the section line 2-2 passes in Fig. 1. The ten side or peripheral cells, while of substantially or nearly the same volume content, and adequate for receiving and cushioning an egg or other article, are in effect flattened or sloped off, upon one corner in the case of the six side cells which are not at the container corners, and upon two corners in the remaining four side cells, in the container corners. Between and completing these ten side or peripheral cells are the ten half-pyramids or approximately triangular pyramid portions 43, each corresponding in shape to a one-half portion of one of the six full rectangular internal or central pyramids 4344, and each having two similarly sloped sides 44, 44 whose meeting edges are in the vertical plane diagonally through the adjacent interior or full pyramids, perpendicular to the top edges of the container side walls.

The two outer sides of the four corner cells, and the single outer sides of the six intermediate side or peripheral cells are completed by the inwardly sloped outer side walls 46 of the container section or tray itself.

Thus, lengthwise of the container there are two rows of partitioning formations, each row including three full or rectangular pyramids and two half or triangular pyramids, one at each end of the row, while transversely of the container, in the direction of its least dimension, there are three rows of partitioning formations, each including two of said full or rectangular pyramids and two other half or triangular pyramids, one at each end, completing the provision of twelve article cells disposed 3 x 4.

The cell bottoms 45 are constituted as cushioning formations, being elevated in whole or part above the level on which the container rests.

Surrounding the elevated cushioning platforms 45 of the cell bottoms are the channels or depressed hollow ribs 47, the lower faces of which provide the actual supporting base or grid-like bottom of the container.

The construction as above described will be readily apparent in the sectional view of Fig. 2, taken along the longitudinal center line in Fig. 1 and hence passing diagonally through the bases of the two full-rectangular or central cells, and between the two rows offull pyramidal partitions. As indicated by the cross-hatched material, following it lengthwise across said figure, this view cuts through an outer side wall 46 of one of the intermediate side cells, the adjacent channel or foot-rib 47, the cell bottom cushion 45, the said channel 47 again, then the base of one inclined wall 44 of one of the full or interior pyramidal partitions, and thence through the base of the adjoining inclined wall 44 of said pyramidal partition, into the next adjoining cell, etc. It will be understood in Fig. 2 that the surfaces 44 appearing there incline away from the reader and alternately in opposite directions. The plane surfaces 46 seen through between the pyramids 44-43-44 are the outer sides of the longitudinal side cells, in the next row beyond that through which the section is taken.

It will be noted that the pyramid sides 44, where they meet those of adjoining pyramidal partitions, do not extend entirely down to the lowest level of the container, but form small hollow four-sided pyramidal parts, indicated at 48 in Fig. 2 and also in Fig. 1. view of Fig. 3, as contrasted with Fig. 2, outs diagonally through the pyramidal partitions rather than through the cells. In some or all instances the cell bottom cushioning formations may be dished or centrally or otherwise depressed or further elevated, 01' variously modified, for example as at 45", 45 in the central cells of Figs. 1 and 2.

In Fig. 1 I have shown a novel form of securing means for the container sections, comprising a metal clip 49 having a body portion secured as by tongues 50 in the top surface 43 of one of the partial pyramidal partitions, or in the adjoining area of the peripheral flange 40. The latter is recessed as at 51, and the flange 41 of the other section is correspondingly recessed, whereby the clip is wholly contained within the contour of the container but is adapted to be folded over onto the inner part of the upper flange to secure the two sections in closed position.

In Fig. 2a I have shown a modification of the construction illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. In this instance the pyramidal formations 43 are carried upwardly above the section of the container on which they are formed, so that they extend up into contact or substantially into contact with the other section of the container when the latter is closed. In some cases both sections of the container or carton may be formed with The sectional the hollow partitioning formations, the latter in any of the package forms herein illustrated and described. Also, in any instance, the top section may be peripherally ribbed, or may be dished as in said copending applications.

In Figs. 4, 5 and 6 is shown a modification of the form of Figs. 1 to 3, similar reference numerals being used for corresponding parts, with the addition of prime marks. In Figs. 4 to 6 the flange of the lower section 40' is indicated by the numeral 40, and that of the upper section 41' by the numeral 41 while the peripheral triangular flat areas between cells, corresponding to the parts 43 of Figs. 1 and 2, are indicated as 43 In this instance the channels 47' -bounding the raised floors 45' of the cells are in alignment in successive cells, and meet or cross at the corners of adjoining cells. Thus these channels, ribs or feet form a continuous grid-like structure Over the entire bottom of the lower section, constituting a base for the latter. These rib or channel elements 47, extending at angles of approximately 45 with respect to the container outer edges, afford a continuous cross bracing of the bottom, from side to side, immediately adjacent the cell floors, whereas in Figs. 1 and 2 corresponding reinforcing or bracing is provided by the merging base portions of the pyramidal cell separators. In Figs. 4 to 6 it will be noted that the cell floors 45' are of a somewhat larger area, while the pyramidal separators 44'-43'-44 are individually bounded by the grid channels 47' and are of proportionately less area, with slightly steeper side walls. It will be understood that the sizes and shapes of the cells and partitioning means in any of the illustrated forms may be widely varied within the scope of the invention. As noted in the parent application S. N. 569,177, the cellular formations may be provided for each of the mating sections of the container, or the container, as illustrated herein by way of example, may have the main wall or top of the upper section or tray externally flat or substan tially so, adapting it for the imprinting or stamping thereon of legends, lettering, advertising matter, designs or the like which are not readily applicable to an uneven surface such as that at the outside of the lower tray-like section.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that I have provided an integrally partitioned cellular container for eggs or other fragile globular articles, which may be inexpensively manufactured, of cellulo-sic or fibrous material, chiefly or wholly by a moulding or pulp-handling process as a result of which the material is inherently resilient or of a cushioning nature but nevertheless self-supporting. The resulting container, whether of the illustrated 3 x 4 or other form, is of marked strength and shock-resisting character, affording a firm, fully cushioned cellular package admirably adapted for the purposes intended.

As above pointed out, the embodiment of my present invention selected for illustration is primarily concerned with providing an inexpensive but rugged one-dozen square or 3 x 4 egg package for the grocer, market man and other retailers. Such package is to be distinguished from such articles as fillers or dividers for 30-dozen egg cases and crates, which fillers, customarily of 6 x 6 arrangement, are merely for use between layers of eggs within such wooden or other case or crate and are in no sense packages in and of themselves. For example, I am familiar with such fillers or egg case separators as disclosed in the United States patent to 'Iieman, No. 1,351,708, dated August 31, 1920, and my present invention is not concerned therewith. It is further incidentally noted with regard to said patent that the pockets of the fillers or separators there shown are relatively widely spaced, and necessarily so because they are intended to receive eggs at both faces. In contrast to the usual 6 x 6 arrangement, with five layers to a half-crate, the Tieman separator can accommodate but 30 eggs at one face and but 20 at the other face over an area presumably corresponding to that of the standard half-case, and accordingly necessitates seven layers to give a total of 180 eggs to a halfcase.

The 3 x 4 egg package of the illustrated embodiment of my present invention is also in distinct contrast, in so far as trade usage is concerned, with 2 x 6 or 2 x 3 cartons and fillers of the ordinary type, which latter are generally employed by the wholesale egg packer in preparing eggs, usually under their own brand or name, for large scale retail distribution. While the 6 x 6 fillers above referred to serve in the crate shipment of eggs from their source to the market, the large producers and the wholesalers either repack the eggs from such crates in the 2 x 6 or 2 x 3 cartons and fillers mentioned, for large scale distribution under particular brands, or resell by the crate to the grocer, market man and small retailers who in turn sell from the crate, using the 3 x 4 package, with which the invention of my present application is chiefly concerned as the most convenient packaging means for delivering the eggs to the customer. The three classes or types of devices mentioned are thus distinct items in the trade, obviously my invention is applicable in connection with other than 3 x 4 arrangements, for example, it may be embodied in a 2 x 6 or other arrangement, as pointed out in my copending applications referred to in the introductory paragraph hereof, this application being a division of said S. N. 569,177 which in turn is a continuation in part of the also copending application S. N. 403,770.

In Fig. 8 I have illustrated a 3 x 4 standard honeycomb filler F, such as generally heretofore used, within a paper box, for the purposes with which my present invention is mainly concerned. Said filler of Fig. 8, comprising interlocked cross strips f and f, is drawn upon a one-quarter scale, for the purpose of representing the standard 3 x 4 honeycomb device, which is approximately 7% inches by 5% inches in overall dimensions of its total cellular area, within the side walls of the box in which the filler must be placed. The horizontal dimensions of such box, while subject to slight variations, are standardly substantially 8 x 6 inches. The package of my invention as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 is drawn upon a three-quarter scale, as closely as the limitation of patent drawing, with their requisite line thickness, shading, etc. permit. The total cellular area of my package of said drawings, for example, between the tops of the outer side walls 46 of the form of Fig. 1 does not exceed or does not substantially exceed that of the standard honeycomb filler having a like number of cells. This is due primarily to the novel and compact construction and arrangement of the cell partitioning means, which are not intended or required to be so extensive as to receive eggs at their faces opposite the cells 45 (in contrast to the relatively widely spaced arrangement of cells in an egg-case filler such as that of said Tieman patent), and is evident from the fact that the longitudinal and transverse dimensions between the tops of the outer walls 46 in Fig. 1 are substantially three times the corresponding overall dimensions of the standard honeycomb filler of Fig. 8. Obviously the three-quarter scale of Fig. 1 compares to the one-quarter scale of Fig. 8 as three to one. The preservation of such standard dimensions is important, particularly in the egg trade, wherein packing requirements and shipping regulations are rigid and must be closely followed. Obviously also any substantially larger 3 x 4 package would additionally involve wastage of space and material.

My invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein by way of example, its scope being pointed out in the following claims.

I claim: 1. A cellular package or container formed of cellulosic material, comprising upper and lower tray sections reversely positioned, each section having a main planular top or bottom wall and having surrounding side walls, at least the lower section having integrally formed therein a plurality of rows of cells having substantially rectangular raised floors angularly disposed with respect to the container peripheries, and hollow truncated pyramidal elements mutually intersecting at a level spaced above said cell floors and constituting the lateral separating means between cells but by reason of said intersecting relation confining the total cellular area to not substantially exceeding that of a standard honeycomb filler having a like number of cells.

2. A cellular package or container-formed of cellulosic material, comprising upper and lower tray-like sections reversely positioned and having horizontal walls and enclosing side walls, at least the lower section having formed therein a plurality of rows of cells and having hollow truncated pyramidal elements projecting above its horizontal wall constituting the lateral separating means between cells but confining the total cellular area to not substantially exceeding that of a standard honeycomb filler having a like number of cells, the comer base portions of adjoining pyramidal elements merging into one another substantially above the cell bottoms to effect said confined area and to provide substantially continuous barriers across the container.

3. A cellular package or container formed of cellulosic material, comprising upper and lower tray-like sections having enclosing side walls with peripheral flanges for positioning one tray reversely upon the other, at least the lower section having formed therein a plurality of rows of cells having raised floors, hollow truncated pyramidal elements constituting the lateral separating means between cells but confining the total cellular area to not substantially exceeding that of a standard honeycomb filler having a like number of cells, and channel-like ribs providing a grid-like base for the respective container sections, said ribs bounding the individual cell floors and portions of said pyramidal elements, other portions of said pyramidal elements intermerging angularly in adjoining elements and forming minor pyramidal elements in the regions of said intermerging.

4. A one-dozen 3 x 4 cellular package or container for eggs, comprising reversely positioned upper and lower trays of cellulosic material, at least the lower tray having formed integrally with it two rows of inwardly extending hollow cell-partitioning formations lengthwise the container, each row including three substantially rectangular pyramidal elements and two half or triangular pyramidal elements, one at each end of said row, said substantially rectangular pyramidal elements disposed in three rows of two each in the direction crosswise the container, with their side faces at an angle with respect to the container sides, and there being similar half or triangular pyramidal elements at the respective ends of said crosswise rows constituted as indentations of the side walls, said cell-partitioning formations being so proximate as to provide four-point side-engaging surfaces for individual eggs and merging at their mutually adjacent corner portions to afford a total cellular area limited substantially to that of a standarfd 3 x 4 honeycomb filler.

5. A cellular package for eggs, comprising upper and lower tray-like sections, at least the lower section having a plurality of regularly disposed upwardly extending integral hollow pyramidal formations providing between them and in cooperation with the side walls of said section a plurality of rows of egg-receiving pockets, said sections having laterally projecting peripheral flanges at their opposed rim portions, said flanges adapted to seat one on the other in the closed position of the package sections, one of said sections having adjacent its flange a metal clip adapted to engage the other section adjacent the flange of the latter, to hold the package closed.

6. A cellular package for eggs comprising a lower tray-like section and an upper section reversed thereon, said upper section having a horizontal or top wall and surrounding side walls, and said lower tray-like section having a base and surrounding side walls of substantially similar height as those of the top section, said lower section having formed integrally with it a plurality of hollow pyramidal upwardly directed formations dividing said section into rows of egg receiving cells, some of said formations being of a height to extend up into supporting relation to the top wall of the upper section, in the closed position of the package.

7. A package or container formed of cellulosic material, comprisingupper and lower tray-like sections adapted for reverse positioning one on the other and having horizontal walls and enclosing side walls, the lower section being formed with a plurality of rows of article-receiving cells and having hollow truncated and generally pyramidal elements projecting above its horizontal wall and constituting lateral separating means between cells but confining thetotal cellular area to not substantially exceeding that of a standard honeycomb filler of a like number of cells, adjacent base portions of adjoining hollow elements merging into one another substantially above the cell bottoms to effect said confined area and to provide substantially continuous barriers across the container, and an outer surface of the upper container section being fiat or substantially so, thereby adapting it for the imprinted or other reception of lettering, designs and the like.

FRANCIS H. SHERMAN. 

